Habiru

Habiru were Syrian and Phoenician rebels, outlaws, raiders, and mercenaries who operated in Egypt, Canaan, and Syria from the 18th to 12th centuries BC. Ever since Egypt began to spread its power into the Levant, they formed themselves into armed groups and retreated to the mountains and deserts. They dedicated their lives to the complete liberation of their homeland from foreign invaders, and they tormented Egyptian pharaohs by constantly raising unrest in the occupied provinces and forcing the Pharaohs to repeatedly send punitive expeditions to Syria and Canaan.